SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride - On Mowers IMPORTANT : THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS . . FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH , I . GENERAL OPERATION I ! 1 . CHILDREN * Read , understand , and foilow al ! instructions in the manual Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the and on the machine before starting . presence of children Â° Children are often attracted to the * Only allow responsible adults , who are familiar with the machine and the mowing activity . Never assume that instructions , to operate the machine . . children will remain where you last saw them . , Â° Clear the area of objects such as rocks , toys , wire , etc . , * Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful which could be picked up and thrown by the blade . care of another responsible aduiL . Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop , , Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area . machine if anyone enters the area . o Before and when backing , look behind and clown for small - Never carry passengers . children . . * Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always , Never carry children . They may fall off and be seriously look down and behind before and while backing . injured or interfere with safe machine operation , Â° Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point Â° Never allow children to operate the machine . it at anyone . Do not operate the mower ' without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place . * Use extra care when approaching blind corners , shrubs , trees , or other ' objects that may obscure vision _ Â° Slow down before turning . . Never leave a running machine unattended . Always turn off IV . SERVICE blades , set parking brake , stop engine , and remove keys Â° Use extra care in handling gasotine and etherfuels . They are before dismounting . flammable and vapors are explosive Â° Turn off blades when not mowing . Use only an approved container Â° Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging chute . . Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running . Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not Â° Mow only in daylight or good artificial light . smoke . Do not operate the machine while under the influence of Never refuel the machine indoors alcohol or drugs . . Never store the machine or fuel container inside where o Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways . there is an open flame , such as a water heater Â° Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into Â° Never run a machine inside a closed area . a trailer or ' truck . Â° Keep nuts and bolts , especially blade attachment bolts , tight II . SLOPE OPERATION and keep equipment in good condition . * Never tamper with safety devices , Check their proper Slopes are a major factor ' related to loss - of - control and operation regularly . tipover accidents , which can result in severe injury or ' death . o Keep machine free of grass , leaves , or other'debris build - up . All slopes require extra caution . If you cannot back up the Clean oil or fuel spillage Allow machine to cool before slope or if you feel uneasy on it , do not mow it . storing DO : - Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object . Repair , if necessary , before restarting Â° - Mow up and down slopes , not across . Â° Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running . , , Remove obstacles such as rocks , tree limbs , etc - Grasscatcher components are subject to wear , damage , and Â° Watch for holes , ruts , or bumps . Uneven terrain could deterioration , which could expose moving parts or allow overturn the machine . Tall grass can hide obstacles . objects to be thrown . Frequently check components and Â° Use slow speed . . Choose a low gear so that you will not have replace with manufacturer's recommended parts , when nec - to stop or shift while on the stope , essary â¢ Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel Â° Mower blades are sharp and can cut _ Wrap the blade ( s ) or weights or counterweights to improve stability . wear gloves , and use extra caution when servicing them _ Â° Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments . Â° Check brake operation frequentty _ Adjust and service as These can change the stability of the machine require & Hlllllllllllllllllllili llll llllllllll tH H IL I l llllllIHlllm U Â° Keep all movement on the slopes sfowand gradual , Do not Look for this symbol to point out im - make sudden changes in speed or direction . Â° Avoid starting or ' stopping on a slope . If tires lose traction , portant safety precautions . It means ! disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the CAUTION ! ! ! BECOME ALERT ! ! ! YOUR slope . . SAFETY IS INVOLVED . ! DO NOT : ii i i iilllll iiinllllll CAUTION = Always disconnect spark plug Â° Do not turn on slopes unless necessary , and then , turnslowly and gradually downhill , ifpossib _ e _ wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental * Do not mow near drop - offs , ditches , or embankments . The starting when setting up , transporting , mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch , or if an edge caves in _ adjusting or making repairs . Â° Do not mow on wet grass . Reduced traction could cause illUllll illl ill n ill iill i sliding Â° Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the WARNING ground . . Do not use grass catcher on steep slope & The engine exhaust from this product con - tains chemicals known to the State of Califor - nia to cause cancer , birth defects , or other reproductive harm , 2 Page: 3

PRODUCT SPECmFgCATIIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tractor , it has been designed , engineered and manufac - HORSEPOWER : 155 tured to give you the best possible dependability and GASOLINE CAPACITY 1 . . 25 GALLONS performance . _ , ND TYPE : UNLEADED REGULAR Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy , please contact your nearest Sears Authorized OIL TYPE ( API - SF / SG ) : SAE 30 ( above 32 Â° F ) Service CentedDepartmento We have competent , well - SAE 5W - 30 ( below 32 Â° F ) trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair OIL CAPACITY : 3.0 PINTS this tractor Â° Please read and retain this manual Â° The instructions will SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION RJ19LM ( GAP : . . 030 " ) STD36t458 enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly . Always observe the " SAFETY RULES " , . VALVE CLEARANCE : INTAKE : . . 005 " - , 007 " EXHAUST : . 009 " - 011 " MODEL NUMBER 917 . . 256531 GROUND SPEED ( MPH ) : FORWARD : 5 5 _ . REVERSE : 25 SERIAL TIRE PRESSURE : FRONT : 14 PSI NUMBER REAR : 10 PSI . DATE OF PURCHASE CHARGING SYSTEM : 3 AMPS BATTERY 5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND . ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT . . BATTERY : AMP / HR : 25 MINe CCA : 190 YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND CASE SIZE : U1R DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE . . BLADE BOLT TORQUE : 30 - 35 FT ' . LBS WARNING : This tractor is equipped with an internal MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT combustion engine and should not be used on or near any A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod - unimproved forest - covered , brush - covered or grass _ cov - uct . . Contact your nearest Sears store for details . ered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws ( if an % If a spark arrester is used , it should be maintained CUSTOMER RESPONSIBmUTIES in effective working order by the operater _ â¢ Read and observe the safety rules Â° In the state of California the above is required by law â¢ Fellow a regular schedute in maintaining , caring forand ( Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code ) . . using your tractor Â° Other states may have similar laws . . Federal laws apply on federal lands . A spark arrester for the muffler is available o Follow the instructions under " Customer ResponsibilF through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center / ties " and " Storage " sections of this owner's manual Department ( See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual ) , LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPIVIENT For two ( 2 ) years from the date of purchase , if this Craftsman Riding Equipment is maintained , lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual , Sears wilt repair or replace , free of charge , any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship This Warranty does not cover : - Expendable items which become worn during normal use , such as blades , spark plugs , air cleaners , bells , etc o Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects , such as nails , thorns , stumps , or glass , , , Repairs necessary because of operator abuse , negligence , improper storage or accident or the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual , , Riding equipment used for commercial or rental purposes , . LIMgTED 90 DAY WARRANTY ON BATTERY For ninety ( 90 ) days from date of purchase , if . any battery included with this riding equipment proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not hold a charge , Sears will replace the battery at no charge , IN - HOME WARRANTY SERVICE ON YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO - CHARGE FOR 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE . PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST SERVICE CENTER . AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE , WARRANTY SERVICE iS AVAILABLE BY TAKING YOUR CRAFTSMAN RIDING EQUIP - MENT TO YOUR NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER . ( IN * HOME WARRANTY SERVICE WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT A STANDARD TRIP CHARGE WILL APPLY ) THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN THE UNITED STATES . This Warranty gives you specific legal rights , and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state SEARS , ROEBUCK AND CO . , D / 817 WA , HOFFMAN ESTATES , IL 60179 3 Page: 4

OPERAT O IMPORTANT : THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES TO OPERATE MOWER ( See Fig . 10 ) NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL ( N ) POSITION WHEN THE CLUTCH / BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing o To restart movement , stowly release parking brake and switch Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with clutch / brake pedal . the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged witl shut off the engine . Â° Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting . Â° Make all turns slowly o Select desired height of cut . o Lower mower with attachment lift control TO TRANSPORT ( See Figs . 8 and 11 ) Â° Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch When pushing or towing your tractor , be sure to disengage control transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position . Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar o TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment of tractor _ clutch control Â° Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach - ment lift control . CAUTION : Do not operate the mower ' â¢ Pull freewheel control knob out and hold in position by without either the entire grass catcher , on mowers so equipped , or the dis - inserting retainer spring into forward hole of control rod . charge guard in place . â¢ Do not push or tow tractor at more than two ( 2 ) MPH , o To reengage transmission , reverse above procedure . A'i'TACHM'ENT CLUTCH LEVER NOTE : To protect hood from damage when transporting " DISENGAGED " POSITION your tractor on a truck or atraiter , be su re hood is closed and " ENGAGED " ATTACHMENT POSITION secured to tractor ' . Use an appropriate means of tying hoed LIFT LEVER to tractor ( rope , cord , etc . ) . HIGH POSITION LOW POSITION FIG . 11 \ BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL ( See Fig . 9 ) Â° The engine in your tractor has been shipped , from the factory , already filled with summer weight oil , o Check engine oil with tractor on level ground . o Remove oil fill cap / dipstick and wipe clean , reinsert the FIG . 10 dipstick and screw cap tight , wait for a few seconds , remove and read oil level . If necessary , add oil until TO OPERATE ON HILLS " FULL " mark on dipstick is reached Do not overfill . o For cold weather operation you should change oil for CAUTIONi Do not drive up or down easier ' starting ( See " OIL VISCOSITY CHART " in the hills with slopes greater than 15 Â° and Customer Responsibilities section of this manual ) Â° do not drive across any slope . o To change engine oil , see the Customer Responsibili - ties section in this manual . o Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down ADD GASOLINE hills _ o Fil ! fuel tank . Use fresh , clean , regular unleaded o Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills . gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane ( Use of leaded o If slowing is necessary , move throttle control lever to gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits slower ' position , and reduce valve life ) Do not mix oil with gasoline . Â° if stopping is absolutely necessary , push clutch / brake Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking days to assure fuel freshness _ brake IMPORTANT : WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES Â° Move motion control lever to neutral ( N ) position BELOW 32 Â° F ( 0 Â° C ) , USE FRESH , CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING 14 Page: 15

OPERATION WARNING : Experience indicates that alcohol blended Â° The attachments can also be used during the engineed warm - up period after the transmission has been wa _ ' m fuels ( called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol ) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of up , acids during storage , Acidic gas can damage the fuel NOTE : If at a high altitude ( above 3000 feet ) or in cold system of an engine while in storage , To avoid engine temperatures ( below 32 F ) the carburetor fuel mixture may problems , the fuel system should be emptied before stor - need to be adjusted for best engine performance . See " TO age of 30 days or longer . Drain the gas tank , start the ADJUST CARBURETOR " in the Service and Adjustments engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are section of this manual , . empty . Use fresh fuel next season , , See Storage Instruc - tions for additional information . , Never use engine or PURGE TRANSMISSION carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur , CAUTION : Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is run - CAUTION : Fill to bottom of gas tank ning Â° filler neck . Do not overfill , Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel . Do not store , spill or use gasoline near an open flame , To ensure proper operation and performance , it is recom - mended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time . This procedure will remove any TO START ENGINE ( See Fig . 9 ) trapped air inside the transmission which may have devel - When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine oped during shipping of your tractor , . has run out of fuel , it will take extra cranking time to move IMPORTANT : SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE fuel from the tank to the engine . REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT , IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLAT1ON Â° Depress clutch / brake pedal and set parking brake BEFORE OPERATING THE TRACTOR â¢ Place motion control lever in neutral ( N ) position . Â° Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and Â° Move attachment clutch to " DISENGAGED " position . parking brake set o Move throttle control to choke ( N ) position . . Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control Note : Before starting , read the warm and cold starting in freewheeling position ( See " TO TRANSPORT " in procedures below . this section of manual ) _ L o insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to " START " â¢ Sit'ting in the tractor seat , start engine . After the engine position and release key as soon as engine starts . . Do is running , move throttle control to slow ( . e _ ) position , not run starter continuously for more than fifteen sec - With motion control lever in neutral ( N ) position , slowly disengage clutch / brake pedal . onds per minute , , tf the engine does not start after several attempts , move throttle control to fast ( ' fs , ) o Move motion control lever to full forward position and position , wait a few minutes and try again . If engine still hold for five ( 5 ) seconds . Move lever to full reverse does not start , move the throttle control back to the position and hold for five ( 5 ) seconds Repeat this choke ( N ) position and retry . procedure three ( 3 ) times WARM WEATHER STARTING ( 50 Â° F and above ) NOTE : During this procedure there will be no movement of â¢ When engine starts , move the throttle control to the fast drive wheels . , The air is being removed from hydraulic drive ( , { _ ) position . system , Â° The attachments and ground drive can now be used . If o Move motion control lever to neutral ( N ) position Â° Shut - the engine does not accept the load , restart the engine off engine and set parking brake . and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke o Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in as described above , driving position ( See " TO TRANSPORT " in this section COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50 Â° F and below ) of manual ) . Â° When engine starts , allow engine to run with the throttle â¢ Sitting inthe tractor seat , start engineo After the engine control in the choke ( " _ , 1 ) position until the engine runs is running , move throttle control to half ( I / 2 ) speed , roughly , then move thrott e control to fast ( . _ ) position , , With motion control lever in neutral ( N ) position , slowly This may require an engine warm - up period from disengage clutch / brake pedal several seconds to several minutes , depending on the Â° Slowly move motion control lever forward , after vthee temperature , . tractor moves approximately five ( 5 ) feet , slowly mo HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP motion control lever to reverse position , After the tractor moves approximately five ( 5 ) feet return the o Before driving the unit in cold weather , the transmis - motion control lever to the neutral ( N ) position . Repeat sion should be warmed up as follows : this procedure with the motion control lever three ( 3 ) o Be sure the tractor is on level ground , times . Â° Place the motion control lever in neutral â¢ Your tractor is now purged and now ready for normal Release the parking brake and let the clutch / brake operation slowly return to operating position , Â° Allow one minute for transmission to warm up , This can be done during the engine warm up period , . 15 Page: 16

OPERA ' [ ' ION i1 , , : : : : : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ll . i , lit lll , llj i iHll i MOWING TiPS MULCHING MOWING TiPS IMPORTANT : FOR BEST PERFORMANCE , KEEP * Tire chainscannot be used when the mower housing is MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT - UP GRASS AND attached to tractor . TRASH . . CLEAN AFTER EACH USE Â° = Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing The special mutching blade will recut the grass clip - performance , , See " TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING " in pings many times and reduce them in size so that as the Service and Adjustments section of this manual . they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grassiIL â¢ The left hand side of mower should be used for trim - and not be noticed Also , the mulched grass w ming , . biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn . Always mulch with your highest engine ( blade ) speedhe = Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area as this will provide the best recutting action of t that has been cut . Have the cut area to the right of the blades . machine _ This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting . . Â° Avoid cutting your'lawn when it is wet , , Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action , , â¢ When mowing large areas , start by turning to the right The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon Â° so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs , At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area fences , driveways , etc _ After one or two rounds , mow will not be exposed to the direct sun , in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished ( See Fig . . 12 ) . o For'best results , adjust the mowercutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one - third of the grass Â° If grass is extremely tall , it sf _ ould be mowed twice to blades ( See Fig . 13 ) , For extremely heavy mulching , reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried cfip - reduce your width of cut and mow slowly . pings Make first cut relatively high ; the second to the desired height . o Certain types of grass and grass conditions may re - quire that an area be mulched a second time to com - = Do not mow grass when it is wet . Wet grass wilt plug pletely hide the clippings . When doing a second cut , mower and leave undesirable clumps , _ Allow grass to mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path Â° dry before mowing . â¢ Change your cutting pattern from week to week . Mow â¢ Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to north to south one week then change to east to west the assure better mowing performance and proper dis - next week . This will help prevent matting and graining charge of material . Regulate ground speed by select - of the lawn . ing a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as wel ! as the quality of cut desired . MAX 1t3 o When operating attachments , select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used , , FIG . 13 FIG , 12 16 Page: 17

ESPONSH CUSTOM TRACTOR TO SHARPEN BLADE ( See Fig . 15 ) Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced Â° An Always observe safety rules when pe # orming any mainte - unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and even - nance . tual damage to mower and engine . BRAKE OPERATION â¢ The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel . Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower _ if tractor requires more than six ( 6 ) feet stopping distance . To check blade balance , you will need a 5 / 8 " diameter at high speed inhighest gear , then brake must be adjuste & ( See " TO ADJUST BRAKE " in the Service and Adjust - steel bolt , pin , or a cone balanceh ( When using a cone ments section of this rnanual ) _ balancer , follow the instructions supplied with bal - ancer ) . TIRES . Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steef bolt or ' pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground . . Maintain proper air pressure in all tires ( See " PROD - If blade is balanced , it should remain in a horizontal UCT SPECIFICATIONS " on page 3 of this manual ) Â° position . , If either end of the blade moves downward , o Keep tires free of gasoline , oil , orinsect control chemi - sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced . , cals which can harm rubber _ NOTE : Do not use a nail for balancing blade Â° The lobes of â¢ Avoid stumps , stones , deep ruts , sharp objects and the center hole may appear ' to be centered , but are not . other ' hazards that may cause tire damage _ BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp . Re _ place bent or damaged blades Â° BLADE REMOVAL ( See Fig . 14 ) o Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades . â¢ Remove hex bolt , lock washer and flat washer ' securing blade . , , Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown _ FIG . 15 â¢ Reassemble hex bolt , lock washer and flat washer in exact order as shown . â¢ Tighten bolt securely ( 30 - 35 FL Lb & torque ) Â° IMPORTANT : BLADE BOLT tS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED . NOTE : We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do , be sure the blade is balanced . , * A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD . FIG . 14 18 Page: 19

L TS $ ERVUCE AND ADjUSTMIE TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING FRONT - TO - BACK ADJUSTMENT ( See Figs Â° 24 and 25 ) IMPORTANT : DECK MUST BE LEVEL SIDE - TO - SIDE , . IF Adjust the mower while tractor is parked on level ground or THE FOLLOWING FRONT - TO - BACK ADJUSTMENT ] SSO - driveway . , Make sure tires are proper ] y inflated ( See NECESSARY , BE SURE TO ADJUST BOTH FRONT LINKT " PRODUCT SPECIFICATION S " on page 3 of this manual ) . EQUALLY SO MOWER WILL STAY LEVEL SIDE - If tires are over or underinflated , you will not properly adjust SIDEo your mower Â° To obtain the best cutting results , the mower housing SIDE - TO - SIDE ADJUSTMENT ( See Figs Â° 22 and 23 ) should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1 / 4 " to 3 / 4 " lower than the rear when the mower is in its highest o Raise mower to its highest position _ position . Â° Atthe midpoint of both sidesof mower , measure height Check adjustment on right side of tractor . Measure dis - from bottom edge of mower to ground Distance " A " on tance " D " directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom both sides of mower should be the same or within 1 / 4 " edge of mower housing as shown Â° of each other . â¢ Before making any necessary adjustments , check that Â° If adjustment is necessary , make adjustment on one both front links are equal in length , Both links should be side of mower only _ approximately I0 - 3 / 8 " o â¢ To raise one side of mower , tighten lift link adjustment o If links are not equal in length , adjust one link to same nut on that side , , length as other tink _ Â° To lower one side of mower , loosen lift link adjustment . To lower front of mower loosen nut " E " on both front nut on that side Â° links an equal number of turns . Â° When distance " D " is 1 / 4 " to 3 / 4 " lower at front than NOTE : Each full turn of adjustment nut will change mower rear , tighten nuts " F " against trunnion on both front height about 1 / 8 " . , links , . Recheck measurements after adjusting _ â¢ To raise front of mower , loosen nut " F " from trunnion on both front links Â° Tighten nut " E " on both front links an BOTTOM EDGE BOTTOM EDGE equal number of turns , , OF MOWER TO OF MOWER TO o When distance " D " is 1 / 4 " to 3 / 4 " lower at front than GROUND GROUND rear , tighten nut " F " against trunnion on both front links Â° o Recheck side - to - side adjustment , % MANDREL A GROUND LINE FIG . 22 SUSPENSION ARM FIG . 24 BOTH FRONT LINKS MUST BE EQUAL IN LENGTH I " = ' 1 \ LIFT LINK ADJUSTMENT NUT FIG , 23 NUT " E " NUT " F " FRONT LINKS TRUNNION 23 FIG . 25 Page: 24

STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of ENGONE the season or ' if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT : IT iS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUMELR , CAUTION : Never store the tractor with DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUTELSO , gasoline in the tank inside a building SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR , FUEL FILA where fumes may reach an open flame FUEL HOSE , OR TANK DURING STORAGE . EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED or spark . Allow the engine to cool FUELS ( CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL ORS before storing in any enclosure . METHANOL ) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEAD TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURINGEL STORAGE . ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FU TRACTOR SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE . Remove mower ' from tractor for wint _ , r storage . When â¢ Drain the fuel tank _ mower is to be stored for a period of time , clean it thor _ o Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and oughly , remove all dirt , grease , leaves , etc . Store in a carburetor are empty . clean , dry area , . Â° Never use engine or carburetorcleaner products in the o Clean entire tractor ( See " CLEANING " in the Customer fuel tank or permanent damage may occur ' , Responsibilities section of this manual ) . . = Use fresh fuel next season . . Inspect and replace belts , if necessary ( See belt re - NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in placement instructions in the Service and Adjustments minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stor _ section of this manual ) . . age . Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage o Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities container , Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer section of this manual . , container . Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor . Do o Be sure that all nuts , bolts and screws are securely fastened _ Inspect moving parts for damage , breakage not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer . and wear . Replace if necessary . ENGINE OIL o Touch up all rusted or ' chipped paint surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace with clean engine oil . ( See " ENGINE " in the Customer Responsibilities BATTERY section of this manua ! ) _ o Fulfy charge the battery for storage . CYLINDERS . After a period of time in storage , battery may require â¢ Remove spark plug ( s ) _ recharging _ Â° Pour one ounce of oil through spark plug hole ( s ) into o To help prevent corrosion and power leakage during cylinder ( s ) . long periods of storage , battery cables should beO disconnected and battery cleaned thoroughly ( see " T â¢ Turn ignitionkey to " START " position for a few seconds CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS " in the Cus - to distribute oil ' tomer Responsibilities section of this manual ) . Â° Replace with new spark plug ( s ) , o After cleaningl teave cables disconnected and place cables where they cannot come in contact with battery OTHER terminals Â° = Do not store gasoline from one season to another _ Â° Be sure battery drai'n tube is securely attached . Â° Replace your gasoline canif your can starts to rust Â° o If battery is removed from tractor for storage , do not Rust and / or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems . store battery directly on concrete or damp surfaces . o If possible , store your tractor indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt Â° Â° Cover your tractor with a suitable protective cover thatc does not retain moisture _ Do not use plastic . Plasti cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your tractor to rust Â° IMPORTANT : NEVER COVER TRACTOR WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM . 28 Page: 29

SUGGESTED GUUDE FOR SIGHTUNG SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL , NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHTING " " - - . SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE . ! 15 Â° MAX . _ A Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes ( not I _ i _ _ greater than 15 Â° ) , never across the face . Make turns gradu - I ! _ _ ally to prevent tipping or loss of control . Exercise extreme ! i _ caution when direction on slopes . changing Page: 60